Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Race Date

Sep 12, 2026

Location

North Bend, WA

The Experience

#5 Fastest Boston Qualifier in the Nation The Cascade Express Marathon & Half in North Bend, WA offers fast, scenic downhill marathon and half marathon courses along the Palouse to Cascades Trail that meet Boston Marathon qualifying standards with no 5-minute penalty.

This course is a premier Boston Qualifier, with a high BQ rate! Enjoy 26.2 miles of fast scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point-to-point course. This is the ONLY marathon course that features jaw-dropping views as you run along Keechelus Lake. With 1247’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time, PR, or BQ! This is the third and final event in our 3-race Downhill Super Series. Downhill Super Series The Cascade Express Half is one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the country! Enjoy 13.1 miles of scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point-to-point course. This is the ONLY  half-marathon course that features a run through the famous 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel. With 1000’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time or a PR! Enjoy your finish with a custom medal, a tech shirt, and a drop bag.

Marathon USATF certification WA25021RMB Marathon is a Boston qualifier Half Marathon USATF certification WA25023RMB Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information: Cascade Express

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Tri-blend T-Shirt (size not guaranteed after 8/1)

Start Location

Homestead Valley Trailhead, North Bend, WA, 98045

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+14.58 m

Separation

75.8%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles

USATF Certified Course

WA25023RMB · Expires 2035 · Super Hyak/Cascade express half marathon

Net uphill grade — expect a more challenging race. Point-to-point course layout.

Course Map

2 other maps for this race

Historical Performance

Median Finish

2:15:22

10:20/mi

Winning Time

1:12:49

5:34/mi

Finishers (2024)

333

States Represented

1 / 50

Gender Split

61% Female39% Male

Finish Time Distribution

1:203:55

FASTER 25%

1:56:53

MEDIAN

2:15:22

SLOWER 25%

2:37:12

Average runner age: 39

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

55°

Afternoon (High)

71°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

5 mph

Wind

80%

Humidity

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